Tears for Paradise. Tears of reflection, regret, and repentance. Tears of acceptance and submission to Allah, Lord of Creation and Master of the Day of Judgement. I have awakened from a slumber where I had forsaken my Creator and Master. I need to make amends, repent and run to my Master, Allah SWT before the end comes. Al Fatihah. May Allah be pleased with us all...ameen.

Pages

Sunday, 16 June 2013

All praises are due to Allah, The Creator and Lord of all that exists. He created us and taught us what we knew not.

Verily, Allah has blessed us with numerous favours which cannot be counted by us. One of such favours is giving us the talents, knowledge and strength to seek His Bounties through working, trading, farming, etc.

The primary objective of this study is to help in checking and possibly eradicate some common misconceptions and/or mistakes in our work places (especially with regards the Government/ office work) in light of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah [Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)]. It is also meant to encourage the Muslim workers to be good ambassadors of Islam by showing examples of the perfect gentlemen Islam teaches us to be.

Allah says: “And if anyone of the Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the Word of Allah (the Qur’an), and then escort him to where he can be secure, that is because they are men who know not.” Ch9 V6

A worker is truly blessed to have a means of living, if we look closely especially in the developing countries, we see millions of people battling with unemployment and poverty but then man can be very ungrateful to His Creator. While trying to earn a living which can serve as a means of earning Allah’s Mercy, some make it otherwise. There are some common mistakes in our work places nowadays which are either as a result of ignorance in the teachings of Islam or as a result of following our heart’s desires. Our Governments or employers try to bring laws to check some of these mistakes, but we fail to realize Islam has already dealt with such issues a long time ago. If we abide by the teachings of our religion, we will save our employers a great deal of trouble. Why don’t we strive to find out the Laws ordained by our Creator?

People always yearn for change but we forget that change begins with the individuals. If we change ourselves at our individual levels Allah has promised us change:

“….Verily, Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins and being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah).” Ch13 V11

It is unfortunate how some people capitalize on the behaviour of some workers and condemn the job itself. This is as a result of the behaviour of some bad eggs in the work places. These critics fail to note that the actions of these workers are not only unislamic but also defy the constitution of the Country and the ethics of the professions. Some of these behaviours are known to be wrong by almost all workers while some are not very clear hence some workers indulge in such acts out of ignorance. Examples of these behaviours/ acts are bribery and corruption, injustice, etc.

Today, we live in a society with so many problems and hardships and our actions are the cause of most of our problems. Allah says:

“Evil (sins and disobedience to Allah) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds) that He (Allah) may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah, and begging His pardon).” Ch30 V41

“In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful.Alif Lam Mim.Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “we believe,” and will not be tested?And we indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test).Or think those who do evil deeds that they can outstrip us (i.e. escape Our punishment)? Evil is that which they judge!Whoever hopes for the Meeting with Allah, then Allah’s term is surely coming and He is the All-Hearer, the All–Knower.And whosoever strives, he strives only for himself. Verily, Allah stands not in need for any of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).Those who believe [in the oneness of Allah (monotheism) and in Messenger Muhammad (S.A.W), and do not give up their faith because of the harm they receive from the polytheists], and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall expiate from them their evil deeds and shall reward them according to the best of that which they use to do.” Ch29 V1-7

Verily, the above verses remind us that Allah wishes to test us in various ways hence we should strive to pass these test by obeying His commands. In Suratul Ta-Ha, Allah warns us and tells us the faith of those who reject His Guidance:

“Then if there comes to you Guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance he shall neither go astray, nor shall be distressed.
But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’an nor acts on its teachings.) verily for him is a life of hardship, and We shall rise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.
He will say: “O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)”(Allah) will say: ‘Like this: Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came to you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hell-fire, away from Allah’s Mercy).’ ” Ch20 V123-126

However, Allah has made a promise to the believers in Suratul Nur:
“Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me. But whoever disbelieves after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)”. Ch24 V55

This promise is only part of the consolation prize, the final shall be the dwelling in Paradise.
Verily, Allah has said the truth! May He make us amongst His righteous and rightly guided servants.

Riba (الربا) is commonly practiced nowadays. Collecting loans with interests have become the order of the day. There are various schemes in the name of helping workers. Most of such schemes have been designed to deviate us from the teachings of Islam. If for instance, our employers are willing to help us acquire houses, cars, e.t.c, why can’t they give us interest free loans? This way we will know they are truly helping us. But collecting loans with interest is definitely going against Allah’s command, Allah says:

“O you who believe! Eat not Riba (usury) doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that you may be successful.” Ch3 V130

In Suratul Baqarah, Allah says: “Those who eat Riba (usury) will not stand (on the day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by shaitan (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say; “Trading is like Riba” where as Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Riba. So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Riba shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns [to Riba (usury)], such are the dwellers of the fire -they will abide there in forever.

And Allah will destroy Riba (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms, e.t.c). And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners.” Ch2 V275-276

In another verse, Allah cautions us against Riba yet again;

“O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (from now onward). If you are really believers.

And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W) but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums).” Ch2 V278–279

From the above verses, we realize that Riba is indeed a grave sin. As aforementioned, any employer that wishes to give out loans to his employees should give out interest free loans. This way, we will know that our employers respect our faith and beliefs. If however, there are no interest free loans we should try as much as possible to desist from collecting loans. We can save up our money ourselves or with the help of other God–fearing brothers/sisters. Allah is the one who enriches His servants through various means whether known to us or otherwise. We hope our brother s and sisters will have faith in Allah as says:

“Allah increases the provision for whom He wills, and straitens (it for whom he wills), and they rejoice in the life of this world, whereas the life of this world as compared with the hereafter is but a brief passing enjoyment.” Ch13 V26

As Muslims we should strive hard and work generously and patiently (especially in things that affect our religion) in our places of work. By so doing, we will surely improve productivity by Allah’s will, wherever we may be. Every penny earned will surely be questioned by Allah (S.W.T) hence we should justify it by working diligently. Allah says:

“Woe to Al-mutaffifun (those who give less in measure and weight).” Ch83 V1

In Suratul Isra’i, Allah says:

“And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight. That is good (advantageous) and better in the end.” Ch17 V35

Similarly in Suratul Hud, Prophet Shuaib (A.S) admonishes the people of Madyan (Midian):

“And O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to people, and do not commit mischief in the land, cause corruption.” Ch11 V85

From the verses above we see that Allah prohibits decreasing the rights of others. A salesman that uses a scale or a balance or any other means of measurement should do it correctly. This applies to any other worker whether a laborer, a government or private office worker, a driver, a tailor, an engineer, etc. If one does complete his shift at work he has indeed decreased the right of his employer hence he should not earn his complete pay/salary because it is supposed to be the pay for the fixed number of hours or days. Islam does not want any party to be cheated i.e. the employer or the employee. Just as the employee will not want his right to be infringed, the same should apply to the employer regardless of who the employer is, in as far as the terms and conditions of the job has been signed. To say that this is marvelous is indeed an understatement. Allah does not like the slightest injustice.

Another issue is sitting idle at work. Some people go to work and close at the required time but they end up gossiping the whole time. If one was to ask them what they benefit from such talks, you would hardly get an answer. Those who sit doing nothing are usually the same people who spend their time spreading rumours and falsehood. Even when there is no work at the work place we can discuss important issues and do more beneficial things to our work places and our lives. Backbiting itself is a great offence in Islam. Let us see what Allah says regarding backbiting in the Holy Qur’an:

“Woe to every slanderer and backbiter.” Ch104 V1

In Suratul Hujurat, Allah compares backbiting with the eating of a dead person’s meat to show us how bad it is:

“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; Indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily Allah is the one who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.” Ch49 V12

Lack of justice is one of the major causes of problem at work and in our society at large.

Honour should be given to whom its due. People should be given what is due to them. Appointments, postings, promotions, etc. should be given based on competence rather than on sentiment, tribalism, favoritism, etc. By so doing, there will be progress and respect in our places of work. Wherever we find ourselves, we should be just and fair in all our dealing with fellows beings because Allah says:

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice as witness to Allah, even though it be against yourselves or your parents, or your kin, be the rich or poor, Allah is a better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lust (of your hearts), lest you avoid justice; and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.” Ch4 VI35

Narrated Anas (R.A): The Prophet (S.A.W) was asked about the great sins.

He said, “They are:

To join others in worship with Allah.

To be undutiful to one’s parents.

To kill a person (which Allah has forbidden to be killed i.e to commit the crime of murdering).

And give a false witness.

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol 3, Hadith No.821)

If one is charged with the responsibility of judging between people, he should do it with equity and justice. Any person charged with the responsibility of leading people should also fear Allah and discharge his duty with fear of Allah.

Narrated Abu Hurairah (R.A): The Prophet (S.A.W) said,

"Seven people will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the day (i.e Day of Resurrection) when there will be no shade except His. They are:

A just ruler;

A young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah [i.e worships Allah (Alone) sincerely from his childhood];

A man whose heart is attached to the mosque (who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosques);

Two persons who love each other only for Allah’s sake and they meet and part in Allah’s Cause only;

A man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: I fear Allah;

A person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e nobody knows what he has given in charity);

A person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes become flooded with tears.”

(Salih Al-Bukhari, Vol 2, Hadith No.504)

From the above hadith, we see the virtues of being just. One does not have to be a king or a Governor to be called a ruler. As long as you have been entrusted with the responsibilities of even a few number of people, you are a ruler and you will be responsible for your actions.

It is compulsory for every Muslim to seek knowledge and understanding of his Deen. Without knowledge and understanding, all his deeds will be for nothing, just like the donkey carrying its burden, it does not know the value of the burden.

"The example of guidance and knowledge with which, Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil, absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which, could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah’s religion and gets benefit (from the knowledge), which Allah has revealed through me (the Prophet) and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah’s guidance revealed through me (He is like that barren land.)” [Sahih Al-Bukhari v.1 no.79. Narrated by Abu Musa]

“It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves that fear Allah.” [Soorah Al-Fatir (35): 28]

“Seek knowledge, because seeking it for the sake of Allah is a worship. And knowing it makes you more God-fearing; and searching for it is jihad, teaching it to those who do not know is charity, reviewing and learning it more is like tasbeeh. Through knowledge Allah will be known and worshipped. With the knowledge Allah will elevate people and make them leaders and imams, who will in turn guide other people.”[Fatawa Ibn Taymiyya vol.10, p.39]

“Whoever treads on a path in search of Islamic knowledge, Allah will ease the way to Paradise for him. The angels will lower their wings, pleased with this seeker of knowledge, and everyone in the heavens and on earth will ask forgiveness for the knowledgeable person, even the fish in the deepest of waters will ask for his forgiveness” [Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi # 2835-sahih hadith]

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

To say that there is decay in our moral attitudes nowadays is indeed an understatement.

People do all sorts of nasty things nowadays in the name of
civilization whereas Allah has laid down rules regulating our
activities. The practical aspects have been demonstrated by Prophet
Muhammad (S.A.W).

Why don’t we strive to live our lives the way Allah wants us to?
People try to emulate the culture of the westerners in the name of
civilization even when some cultures clearly contradict the teachings of
our religion. One thing we need to note is that whatever we try to
emulate and adopt from them, we will not please them until we abandon
our religion. So why don’t we seek to please our Lord Who created us and
everyone/ everything?

Allah says;
“Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you [O
Muhammad (S.A.W)] till you follow their religion. Say: ‘Verily, the
Guidance of Allah (i.e. Islamic monotheism) is the (only) Guidance. And
if you were to follow their desires after what you have received of
knowledge (i.e the Qur’an), then you would have against Allah neither
any wali (protector or guardian) nor any helper.” Ch2 V120

Islam teaches us to be modest in our speech, walking, eating, dressing,
sleeping, and every aspect of live. If we study the Qur’an and Sunnah
[teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)] and practice them the way it is
expected of us, we will live in sanity. We will live in a society devoid
of moral decadence, sexual harassment, diseases (especially sexually
transmitted infections), etc. This is a very lengthy topic, to cut it
short I will quote one or two Qur’anic verses and/ or hadith with
regards the following;

Dressing

Lowering of gaze (vision)

Speech

Walking

Pride

Eating

Dressing

Allah says:
“O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your
private parts and as an adornment; and the raiment of righteousness,
that is better. Such among the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons,
signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, that they may remember (i.e. leave
falsehood and follow truth)” Ch7 V26

In another verse, Allah says:
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their
private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their
adornments except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for
necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands) and to draw their
veils all over juyubihinna (i.e their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)
and not to reveal their adornments except to their husbands, or their
fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s
sons, or their brothers, or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s
sons, or their (muslim) women (i.e. sisters in islam) or the (female)
slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack
vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let not
stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And
all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, o believer, that you may be
successful.” Ch24 V31

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) as saying: Two are the
types amongst the denizens of Hell, the one possessing whips like the
tail of an ox and they flog people with their help. (The second one) the
women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are
seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others with their hair high like
humps. These women would not get into Paradise and they would not
perceive the odour of Paradise, although its fragrance can be perceived
from such and such distance (from great distance). (Sahih Muslim, Book
40, Hadith No.6810)

From the verse and hadith, we understand that women must cover
themselves except the few places allowed and not to reveal their
adornment to men except the class of people listed. For the men, they
are not to show off the part of their body from the navel to the knee
and neither the women nor the men should wear a dress which resembles
that of the opposite sex or which is fitted as to reveal the shape of
the body. Men are not allowed to wear gold and silk.

Lowering of gaze (vision)

Allah says:
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden
things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts).
That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is well-Acquainted with what they
do.
And tell the believing women to lower gaze and protect their private parts…….” Ch24 V30-31

Speech

Allah says:
“And follow not (O man i.e. say not, or do not or witness not) that
which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the
heart of each of those one will be questioned (by Allah).” Ch17 V36

Allah gives us guidelines for walking and talking in the verse below:
“And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your
voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the braying of asses.” Ch31
V19

In another verse, Allah says:
“And Allah does not like that the evil should be uttered in public
except by him who has been wronged. And Allah is Ever All-Hearing,
All-Knower.” Ch4 V148

Walking

Allah says:
“And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance. Verily, you can
neither rend nor penetrate the earth, nor can you attain a stature like
the mountains in height.” Ch17 V37

Pride

Allah says:
“And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence
through the earth. Verily, Allah like not any arrogant boaster.” Ch31
V18

Narrated Umar bin Abi Salama: I was a boy under the care of Allah’s
Apostle and my hand used to go around the dish while I was eating. So
Allah’s Apostle said to me, ‘O boy! Mention the Name of Allah and eat
with your right hand, and eat of the dish what is nearer to you.’ Since
then I have applied those instructions while eating. (Sahih Al-Bukhari,
Book 7, Vol. 65, Hadith No.288)

From the above Qur’ anic verses , we hope and pray we will change our
attitudes wherever we find ourselves, be it at the office, market, farm,
etc. By abiding with Allah’s command we will surely live in a decent
society. Moral decadence is one of the major causes of sexual
harassment. You see female workers (especially youth corpers) wearing
all sorts of tightly fitted clothes to work, male and female workers
mingle anyhow at work, atimes they even share the same toilet. These
things need to be thoroughly checked. May Allah help us.

If we apply patience in all our actions, we shall be successful if
Allah wills. Impatience at our work places causes a lot of havoc. People
are not patient enough to wait for promotions, postings, etc. hence
they tend to engage in all sorts of abominable acts just to satisfy
their needs. Some people bribe their ways to the top just because they
are not patient enough to wait for Allah’s time. Some even go to the
extent of patronizing soothsayers, performing rituals and other various
forms of shirk.

Anyone that believes there is another source of power, harm or
blessing besides Allah has committed shirk (polytheism) which is the
greatest sin one can commit. All Power and Dominion belongs to Allah
Alone, He Alone can solve one’s problems hence we should seek from Him
Alone. Anyone that indulges in such acts should repent immediately and
dispose of any such belief because if he/she dies in such a situation,
paradise is forbidden to him/her because Allah says:
“Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him
(in worship), but he forgives except that (anything else) to whom He
wills, and whosoever set up partners with Allah, he has indeed invented a
tremendous sin.” Ch4 V48

Similarly, narrated Anas (RA): The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “Allah will
say to that person of the (hell) fire who will receive the least
punishment, if you had everything on the earth, would you give it as a
ransom to free yourself (i.e. save yourself from this fire). He will
say, ‘Yes’. Then Allah will say, while you were in the backbone of Adam,
I asked you much less than this, (i.e. not to worship others besides
Me) but you insisted on worshipping others besides Me.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol 4, Hadith No.551)

With the above verse and hadith, we should be very careful not to
associate partners with Allah. We should avoid all forms of shirk (major
and minor).

Allah has told us to be patient in a number of places in the Holy
Qur’an. In all situations, especially difficult ones, we should be very
patient and pray to Allah to help us. Allah says:
“And obey Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W) and do not dispute (with
one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be
patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As–Sabirun (the patient).” Ch8 V46

In Suratul Baqarah, Allah says:
“O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As–Salat (the prayer). Truly! Allah is with As-Sabirun (the patient).” Ch2 V153

From these verses, we learn the importance of patience. Allah says he is
with the patient ones, this shows us the need to leave all matters to
Him after prayers. However, this does not mean one should not strive and
work hard. We should attend interviews, exams and so on and be patient
while expecting results. The outcome should be accepted in good faith
whether good or bad because the sixth (6th) article of faith in Islam is
to believe in Al-Qadar (divine pre-ordainment), what Allah has ordained
must come to pass. We might not know what Allah has in store for us but
we must believe He is there to solve our problems because

Salat, the purpose of our life....what's your excuse?

Facebook Badge

Come and watch with me...

Followers

About Me

A humbled, weary traveller who wandered very far across land and sea of Dunya. A little shy and sad of eyes but unwise was he....One magic day, the princess came his way and then he learnt many things of fools and the King of kings. The greatest thing he had ever learnt is just to love and be loved by Him in return.....